Rev. James Graves Sr.

1933 - 2025

Viewing for Rev. James Graves, Sr. will begin on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. There will be a wake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Peoples Funeral Home, 886 North Farish Street, Jackson, MS.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Travelers M. B. Church, 925 West Pearl Street, Jackson, Mississippi. His Final Resting Place will be Wells Grove Cemetery, 1367 Williamson Road, Clinton, MS.

Reverend James Graves, born December 31, 1933, in Hinds County, Mississippi, to Ida Hedge and Tom Graves, departed this life on October 3, 2025, in the comfort of his home. He left a legacy of unwavering devotion to God, family, and community.

In 1947, Reverend Graves confessed his belief in Christ at Wells Grove Church and dedicated his life to the Lord. He never wavered in his faith, becoming a shining example of Christian love and service. His grandmother, Marcella Blue, had a profound influence on his love for the Lord. He answered the call to ministry in 1974 and went on to inspire hundreds as a pastor and teacher for over four decades.

As an active member of Wells Grove M.B. Church, he served as Sunday School teacher, President of the Usher Board, and Deacon for 16 years and 11 monthsuntil his call to the ministry. Reverend Graves served as advisor to the Home Mission Institute and was active in other church-affiliated organizations. He expanded his ministry beyond the pulpit through community involvementas a Boy Scout leader,dedicated PTA President and parent and community activist. Always prioritizing the needs of others, he touched lives both young and old.Reverend Graves served a brief stint in the United States Army and was honorably discharged.

In 2023, after seventy-six years of committed service and dedication to Wells Grove Church, Reverend Graves united with Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Daniel Watkins. Reverend Graves' heart rejoiced as he taught leadership classes as part of the ministerial staff. Although it was difficult to surprise him, he arrived at church one Sunday morning to find that he had a reserved parking space and a church member stationed at the side door waiting to assist him into and out of every Sunday service!


Reverend Graves shepherded congregations at Mt. Helm Baptist Church in Brandon, Fannin Baptist Church in Fannin, New Zion Baptist Church in Jackson (Assistant Pastor), and Friendship Baptist Church (Dansby Street) in Jackson.His four plus decades of leadership were marked by clarity, conviction, and a deep desire that all who heard the gospel would come to know Christ personally. Notably, during his tenure at Fannin Baptist, Reverend Graves led the effort to erect and dedicate a new sanctuary, ensuring a lasting spiritual home for generations.

Receiving his childhood education at Mt. Olive and Wells Grove Church Schools, Reverend Graves had a desire to further his education. He received a technical degree as a certified welder at Hinds Community College, then graduated in English Bible from Mississippi Baptist Seminary. A very proud moment for his wife and family was when he received his Master's Degree in Bible Theology from Slidell Bible College in Louisiana.

Reverend Graves balanced his ministry with a strong work ethic, maintaining a 50-year career with Peoples Burial Association and decades of combined service to Jackson Public Schools, American Can Company, and Southern Carton Company.

Above all, Reverend Graves was a family man, steadfast in love and commitment to his late wife of 63 years, Rosie Palmer Graves. He often shared stories of their courtship. Being a sharp dresser even as a young man with very few clothes, he visited his 'honey' in a suit. A drenching rain flooded the creek and as he tried to jump it, the barbed wire caught him, tore his suit, and he fell into the creek. His only suit was ruined! That did not deter his commitment to win her hand in marriage. They were married in 1953, and together raised, trained, nurtured their six children, and the many other children who enjoyed coming to their home.

Reverend Graves' gentle spirit and passionate faith will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him-a true servant of God whose influence will echo through many lives.


Reverend Graves was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Mother Rosie L. Palmer Graves, his parents Ida Bishop and Tom Graves, sisters Ethel Harness and Dorothy Bolden, brothers Walter Graves,and best friend and brother Lee Lawrence Johnson.

Left to cherish precious memories are sons-James, Jr. (Bettye), Ken (VJ), Darryl (Cherie), and daughters-Betty Spencer (the late Eddie); Nelda Thomas (Calvin), and Angela Coleman (Jamie).He shared words of wisdom and laughter with grandchildren Chris Graves, James Graves III (Tiffany), Lincoln Smith, LaToya Murray (Xavier); Jeffrey Graves, Tamara Graves, Adam Graves (Latise), Matthew Graves (Marlaina), Devin Cornelius (Amanda), and Jordan Cornelius.Great-grands who enjoyed hanging with "Papa" during his golden years are Landon Smith, Layla Graves, Jordan Graves, Nala Graves, Kylon Graves, Soleil Smith, Gabriel Graves, Kamora Cornelius, Hannah Smith, Manning Boyd, Elisha Smith, Joshua Graves, Asa Smith, Matthew Graves, Jr., and McKenzye Graves.

"Bro. James" leaves siblings-sisters JoMary Mayers, Katie Russell, Bonnie McGee, Bobbie McCoy, and Shirley Palmer Buckley, a sister-in-law who is like a sister;brother William Bishop, and friend/brother George Johnson.Others remembering Reverend Graves are nieces, nephews, cousins, Tinnin Road neighbors, and residents of the Clinton community and the Fannin Community.


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